6th Grade Science

Investigating forces, energy, and Earth's place in the universe.

Practical Applications

Investigating Energy with Rubber Bands

Exploring Potential and Kinetic Energy

Use a rubber band and a small object (like a paperclip) to see energy in action:

  • Stretch the rubber band and hook it to the paperclip.
  • Let go! The paperclip shoots forward.

The stretched rubber band stores potential energy, which turns into kinetic energy when released.

What’s Happening?

This simple experiment shows how energy can be stored and then quickly change forms.

Examples

  • Seeing how far the paperclip flies with more stretching.

  • Testing different objects to find out which ones go the farthest.